I'm often reluctant to recommend painting brick, especially old brick, but this boisterous blue brick makes a good case for putting brush to brick. It also makes for a powerful pairing with the blue clapboards above it, and a striking color contrast with the warm, red, brick, sidewalk pavers below it.

The contrasting texture of the twig wreath, well-suited to the old, moss-green, six-panel door, further enlivens what -- without the arresting colors and textures -- would otherwise be a somewhat utilitarian entrance. Consider adding some spark to your brick foundation with some bold colors and contrasting textures.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast